2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe had a more conservative exterior styling compared to some of Hyundai's recent designs. While it was still an attractive SUV, it didn't have the stand-out looks of other models in the brand's lineup. The 2023 model continued with the same look and feel as the 2022 version, available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line Calligraphy AWD trim, featuring Stormy Sea paint and a black-on-black interior, with a total MSRP of $45,845.

The Santa Fe's exterior was marked by its wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Calligraphy trim had a high-quality, albeit dark and monotone, interior. The Nappa leather seats were comfortable and attractive, with heated and cooled front seats standard. The second row also featured seat heaters, which we found useful during varying spring weather conditions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being the new addition aimed at moderate off-roading. During our test drive near Atlanta, it was clear that the Z71 wasn't designed for extreme off-roading but could handle reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing for the Traverse ranged from $38,995 for the LS to $55,595 for the RS. Our Z71 test vehicle, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" details.

The Traverse's new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, replacing the previous 310-hp V6. The AWD system in the Z71 was more advanced, featuring a dual-clutch arrangement for better grip in slippery conditions. On highways and country roads, the Traverse's acceleration and passing power were more than acceptable, with a surprisingly nice exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, and the ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 2.5-liter engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The SE, SEL, and XRT trims had a naturally aspirated engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, mated to an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD optional on all trims. The drive-mode selector offered four modes: Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart.

The turbocharged Santa Fe had a significant 90-hp advantage over the non-turbo version, providing immediate acceleration with no discernible turbo lag. Handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the non-turbo could tow 2,000 pounds. Overall, the Santa Fe's performance was impressive for its price point.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-hp V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. AWD was optional on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced system. On highways and twisty roads, the Traverse's acceleration and passing power were satisfactory, with a pleasant exhaust note. The steering was adequate, and the ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway for the FWD Limited to 17/25 for the AWD Limited.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered 41.7 inches of rear-seat legroom and 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo space to 72.1 cubic feet. The SEL and higher trims featured an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. The Limited trim added ventilated front seats, a power passenger seat, and heated rear seats. The Calligraphy trim included a head-up display, premium trim, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were notable features, though the driver's seat height adjustment and wide center console had minor drawbacks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model came with seating for eight, while the LT, Z71, and RS trims had seven seats with second-row captain's chairs. The third row was suitable for average-size adults, with Smart Slide second-row seats for easy access. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse featured many storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver's seat but a manually adjustable front passenger seat.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, with a standard 4.2-inch color LCD multi-information display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The base SE trim had an 8-inch display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, voice recognition, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information. The Google-based software offered intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 held the phone securely. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated, though the driving mode button and headlight controls were less user-friendly. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, driver monitoring, a safe-exit system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Highway Driving Assist was standard on SEL and above. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone crash tests by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it came with a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera.